VATICAN - Pope Benedict at Sunday midday Angelus prayer encourages preparation for Christmas: “Sad to say in the present day consumer society this season is subject to commercial ‘pollution’ which threatens to distort its true spirit of reflection, sobriety and joy which comes from within rather than outside”

Monday, 12 December 2005

Vatican City (Fides Service) - Preparation for Christmas was the central theme of Benedict XVI's reflections before praying the Angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. " Sad to say in the present day consumer society," said the Pope, "this season is subject to commercial ‘pollution’ which threatens to distort its true spirit of reflection, sobriety and joy which comes from within rather than outside”. It is, therefore, providential that the entrance door to Christmas" should be "the feast of the mother of Jesus who brings us to know, love and adore the Son of God, made man. Allow her, therefore, to accompany us ... with sincerity of heart and openness of spirit to recognize in the Child of Bethlehem the Son of God, Who came to earth for our redemption."
In this time of immediate preparation for Christmas, many families begin to prepare their nativity scenes, as if to relive, together with Mary, those days filled with trepidation which preceded the birth of Jesus. Bringing the nativity scene into the home can be a simple but efficacious way to present and transmit the faith to children ... A nativity scene can help us understand the true secret of Christmas, because it speaks of the humility and the merciful goodness of Christ, Who 'though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor'." Referring to the poverty assumed by Christ the Pope said. “May His poverty enrich those who embrace it and may Christmas bring joy and peace to those who like the shepherds in Bethlehem, listened to the words of the angels: “This shall be a sing for you: a child wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger” (Lk 2,12. This is the sign for us men and women of 2005. There is no other Christmas
To conclude, the Holy Father blessed, according to tradition, the figures of the Child Jesus brought by the children of Rome to St. Peter's Square to place in their own nativity scenes. "With this gesture I invoke the help of the Lord so that all Christian families may prepare to celebrate with faith the forthcoming Christmas celebrations. May Mary help us to enter the authentic spirit of Christmas”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 12/12/2005; righe 24, parole 365)


Share: